Politico praises Bill Haslam’s governing style

Politico profiles Gov. Bill Haslam in a piece posted Wednesday evening, describing him as “the most important Republican governor you’ve never heard of.”

Contrasting Haslam’s style to the bombast that wins clicks on video websites and appearances on cable news, Politico writer Alexander Burns says Haslam could be a model for the national GOP on how to govern conservatively. The piece lists Haslam’s credits as passing civil service reform, tort reform, new teacher tenure rules, tax cuts and charter school expansion.

The news hook is the upcoming National Governors Association meeting in Washington, D.C. But, of course, this is sort of piece any ambitious politician loves — especially when their party is looking for leaders. Politico hints that Haslam might have greater plans.

“The 54-year-old Haslam, who recorded a 68 percent approval rating last month, disavows any interest in national office. Yet to friends and allies, Haslam’s experience in Tennessee is at the very least a model for national Republicans groping around for ideas that appeal to the middle class.”